Washington, November 7: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a great man” and “a friend,” while suggesting that he could visit India next year to advance trade relations between the two nations.
Addressing reporters at the White House after unveiling a new plan to cut the prices of weight-loss drugs, Trump said his discussions with Prime Minister Modi were “going very well.”
“He (PM Modi) has largely stopped buying from Russia,” Trump claimed. “He is a friend of mine, and we speak often.”
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great man. He is a friend, and he wants me to go there. We will figure that out — I will go,” Trump remarked, adding, “Prime Minister Modi is a great man, and I will be going.”
When asked if he was planning a trip to India next year, Trump replied, “It could be, yes.”
The comments come amid ongoing trade talks between Washington and New Delhi, following the United States’ recent decision to impose a 50% tariff — including an additional 25% duty — on India’s continued import of Russian crude oil.
Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump’s intent to strengthen the strategic partnership with India.
“The President is positive and feels very strongly about the India-U.S. relationship,” Leavitt said, noting that Trump had recently spoken with Prime Minister Modi during Diwali celebrations at the White House, attended by senior Indian-American officials.
Trump has in recent weeks praised India’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian energy supplies. During his Asia tour, he lauded New Delhi’s stance, stating that Modi had assured him India would “curb or halt” crude imports from Moscow.
Responding to the remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed that India’s energy procurement decisions are guided by national interest.
“India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated earlier this month. “Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective.”
Jaiswal further emphasised that India’s energy strategy seeks to ensure price stability and secure supplies through diversified sourcing.
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